Brooke Lena Johnson is making waves with her role in the highly anticipated Cruel Intentions on Prime Video. In a recent interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Brooke shared insights into her acting journey, her character Beatrice, and the excitement of working on such a legendary franchise.
Joining an Iconic Universe
For Brooke, being part of Cruel Intentions is a dream come true.
“It's such an iconic movie, so to have a series about it is an honor,” she said. “Everyone has a distinct memory of it, and it’s so cool to contribute to its legacy.”
A Passion for Performance
Brooke’s journey to acting started early, fueled by her love for performing.
“I was always drawn to the performance aspect,” she shared. “As a kid, I’d do talent shows and even organize them while camping with my family. Growing up in Southern California made acting accessible, and my time at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art only deepened my passion.”
A former professional figure skater, Brooke credited her skating career for honing her love of performing:
“I always loved the performance aspect of skating, and that passion naturally transitioned into acting after I retired.”
Beatrice: A Layered and Intriguing Character
Brooke plays Beatrice, a character with a distinct personality in the Cruel Intentions universe.
“When I auditioned, I actually read for two roles, but I connected with Beatrice immediately,” she said. “She’s complex, coming from a privileged background but navigating the cliques and politics of an elite sorority world.”
To prepare for the role, Brooke drew inspiration from the script’s descriptions and her own interpretations.
“Her character was described as ‘mousey,’ which gave me a visual to work with. I imagined her as someone who scurries around, observing everything from the sidelines.”
Navigating Relationships and Conflict
Beatrice’s relationships with other characters play a significant role in the series.
“She has a challenging dynamic with Caroline, played brilliantly by Sarah Catherine Hook. Caroline’s manipulative tendencies clash with Beatrice’s keen sense of observation,” Brooke explained.
“At the same time, Beatrice tries to foster a relationship with Annie, the vice president’s daughter. It’s a delicate balance between genuine connection and using that friendship for her own ends.”
Her interactions with Lucian, played by Zach Schor, also stand out:
“Their dynamic is filled with tension and dry humor. It’s like a game of toss where neither wants to confront the other directly.”
Challenges of Playing Beatrice
Portraying Beatrice came with its challenges, particularly in understanding her motivations and decisions.
“She operates differently from how I would,” Brooke admitted. “But diving into her world, her privileged background, and her drive to navigate it all was a fascinating process.”
Working with the Creative Team
Brooke praised writers and executive producers Sarah Catherine Hook and Phoebe Fisher for their vision.
“They set the tone from day one, creating a world that felt so authentic. It was clear what each character’s drive was, which made it easier for us to play within those boundaries.”
A Fresh Take on Cruel Intentions
With Cruel Intentions being such a beloved franchise, Brooke revisited the original film for inspiration.
“Rewatching it reminded me how special it is. I wanted to honor its legacy while bringing something fresh to the series.”
Upcoming Projects
Beyond Cruel Intentions, Brooke is excited about her role in The Strangers: Chapter Two.
“It’s such an iconic franchise. This sequel delves deeper into the backstory of the characters and brings unexpected twists to the plot,” she teased.
What to Expect from Cruel Intentions
The first season of Cruel Intentions features eight episodes filled with drama, power struggles, and intricate relationships.
“I think fans will love diving into this devious world. It’s dark, ruthless, and relatable in its portrayal of power dynamics,” Brooke said.
Stay Connected
Fans can follow Brooke Lena Johnson on Instagram at @thebrookelenajohnson for updates on Cruel Intentions, her upcoming projects, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Catch Brooke Lena Johnson and the rest of the cast in Cruel Intentions, premiering soon. With its fresh take on an iconic story, this series is one you won’t want to miss!